Help, I'm new too engine mods and need advise

I just got a 76' F-150 stock with a 360, I want to upgrade 2 a bigger carb and new intake manifold and I'm not sure what too go with. I want a four barrel and I would like some feedback on what carbs and manifolds you or people you know have gotten good results out of.

I don't want to do a rebuild right now, maybe later on down the road when i have the time and a place to do it, for now I just want to know a good carb and intake manifold that would b good for my 360, but thanks for the pointer

The FE suffers from poor exhaust manifolds, so you should consider the exhaust side as well. Good headers aren't cheap, so shop around.

As for the 360, it will only come up so far due to low compression.

Without a teardown, the only other thing to consider after the intake/exhaust is checking your timing set and replacing it with a pre-smog "straight up" set, vs. the retarded cam timing sets used with smog motors after '72 or so.

1) 4bbl stock iron intake, or Edelbrock Performer RPM (or just the base performer if you can get it cheap enough) with a 600cfm 4bbl Holley.

2) Swap out the timing set (timing chain and gears) for a pre-1972 360 set, or any year 390 set. The 360s from 1972 and up were setup with the cam timing way retarted (or advanced, I keep forgetting) and it made it a DOG compared to the earlier years. This was for emissions. It shouldn't be too expensive to get a timing cover gasket set (gasket and seal) and a timing set. Just a bit of work, and make sure you get the timing marks aligned right. After that, retime the ignition timing.

4) Delving even deeper into things, a 390 crank and rods swap using your stock 360 pistons. This will bump the compression a bit, but the extra stroke and compression will DEFINITELY make a big difference.

I am doing the same mods on a F100 beef up on a 360 (farm truck / daily driver). Edelbrock 390 intake, 600 cfm Holley, new complete gasket set. I am all done, back in the truck, buttoned up and ready to turn the key less one item. Headers or manifold. I got a set of used headers with the engine, long tube. Where do I see the benefit with the headers? 2,000 rpm? 3,000, 4,000, . . . ?

I am at the decision point, put 16 bolts in and call it a night which is much less work OR cutting and welding flanges under a greasy farm truck. I guess I am hoping to hear compelling evidence from the pro header crowd.

I suggest you take up another hobby, like drugs, or gambling. They are less expensive and less addictive!

As stated above, Performer RPM manifold, smaller vacuum secondary Holley, and a set of headers and good flowing mufflers. Timing set is easy and cheap too. Without a teardown, there isn't much else can be done. When I did my first FE, I was amazed at the difference a manifold, carb, and headers made.

When it comes time to do a rebuild, there are many choices available to make good usable gains without breaking the bank.

I've only heard of the 360's having it, and if you look at a part catalog, like Napaonline.com, you'll see 390 timing sets are for all years with one part number (at least, the late 60's into the 70's), and the 360 sets are divided into two part numbers. Pre 1972, and 1972 and up.